Advice for dealing with VCs

Dave Winer called out some cautionary rules for enterpreneurs to consider when dealing with venture capitalists posted by Rick Segal, a former Microsoftie turned Canadian VC.

He said basically that VCs should be more upfront about their intentions and entrepreneurs should hold their cards closer.

Winer add his own advice from the entrepreneur side:

“Even after you get an offer from a VC, very carefully find out if their vision of the company agrees with yours. If it doesn’t, there’s a pretty good chance you’re either going to end up working for the wrong company (the one that agrees with the VC’s vision) or out on the street looking for a job, with your idea tied up in a company whose vision you don’t agree with.”

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest. Send tips or comments to bdudley@seattletimes.com. His column runs Monday, and his commentary appears here all week.